Gokyo Lake Trek

1030

Trip Facts

  • Duration 13 Days
  • Trip Difficulty moderate
  • Max. Altitude 5,360 m
  • Start and End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Best Time Autumn & Spring
  • Accommodation Tea House/Lodge

Gokyo Lakes are situated at an altitude of around 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters, which is the sixth highest altitude lake located in the Gokyo Valley of the Everest region in Nepal. These lakes are surrounded by stunning mountain scenery as well as it is known for its immaculate beauty. It is located in the Sagarmatha National Park, Solukhumbu district. Gokyo Lake Trek is an adventure trek which offers an awe-inspiring view of the lakes. It is the series of breathtaking turquoise lakes known as the Gokyo Lake.

Gokyo Lake Trek usually starts from Lukla, situated at an altitude of around 2,840 meters (9,383 feet) above sea level in Solukhumbu district of Nepal. It is in the Khumbu region of the northeastern side and a famous gateway to the Everest region. It is one of the world’s most renowned airports due to its challenging and short runway, named Tenzing-Hillary Airport, also known as Lukla Airport. From there you have to walk slowly up through beautiful landscapes, green hills, and small villages to reach Phakding. Few hours of short hike, you reached Phakding, situated at an altitude of approximately 2,610 meters (8,562 feet). It is a small village which offers a variety of tea houses, guesthouses, and lodges where trekkers can find accommodation and enjoy their local meals. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and lush green landscapes. As you continue your trek, through the various ups and downs, crossing over the suspension bridges, sherpa villages after several hours you finally reach Namche, which is a popular stopover point for trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp and other trekking destinations.

It is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,440 meters ( 11,286 feet) above the sea level within the Sagarmatha National Park. Namche bazar is a hub of sherpa culture and traditions, home of many sherpas, who are renowned for their mountaineering skills and their hospitality. You might see the panoramic views of surrounding Himalayas peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and many others. Also, Namche Bazar hosts a famous weekly market, known as the Namche Bazar Saturday Market, where locals and traders gather to sell a variety of goods, including fresh product, handicrafts, clothes and many more. It is recommended to spend an extra day in Namche Bazar for acclimatization to the high altitude before climbing to a further destination. While continuing your trek, gradually walk uphill climbs and downhill descents on the route, which offers diverse landscape, rhododendron forests, and small sherpa villages. Afterwards you will reach Dole village, located at an altitude of around 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). It is a beautiful stop to take your time and acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. It offers the opportunity to witness the amazing flora and fauna of this region. Also it is predominantly inhabited by sherpas, their rich cultural and warm hospitality.

The village provides an opportunity to explore the sherpa culture, interact with the locals and learn about their cultural traditions. After that, As you continue your trek you will gradually climb the narrow path, crossing the bridge then after a few hours you will reach Machherma. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,470 meters (14,663 feet). The short trek from Dole Village to Machherma offers a lovely experience, including natural beauty, cultural encounters and an adventure in the Everest region. Machherma village offers stunning views of mountain peaks, such as Cho Oyu and Kangtega. It is surrounded by flowing rivers, lush green forest, and various Himalaya peaks. This village is common rest acclimatization for trekkers before going further high altitude. It is a small village to other villages in Everest region. Machhermo Glacier and Dudh koshi River are famous panorama attractions for trekkers in this village.

The Gokyo Lake Trek is a physically demanding trek, so the trekkers must be physically fit and mentally strong.  As you continue your walk gradually , you will ascend towards Gokyo Lake and the trail must go up and down on several steps, while climbing on the rocky path afterwards you will see Gokyo Valley, located at an altitude of around 4,790 meters (15,715 feet). It is a picturesque village as well as famous for the Gokyo lake trek. It is positioned between the famous Everest Base Camp trek and the Ngozumpa Glacier, which is the largest glacier in Nepal. One of the most attractive parts of the Gokyo Valley is the series of glacial lakes known as Gokyo Lake. This lake also includes the largest lake called Cokyo Cho, which is known for its clear crystal turquoise water against the snow capped mountains. These lakes are considered divine by both Hindus and Buddhists. You may have a steep climb to the highest spot of the adventure on top of Gokyo-Ri at 5,360 m high for mind-blowing views of the mountain range that covers most of the world’s tallest and giant peaks. The Lake is situated in high altitude, so some trekkers must face high altitude sickness, you must have the knowledge about how to prevent the altitude sickness. In Gokyo valley, there are also facilities of tea houses and lodges where you can relax and have your meals. The facilities may not be developed  and the quality that you need as other larger towns but they provide a cozy, warm hospitality and the ethnic mountain experience.

To visit Gokyo Lake you must need a permit. There are Local government fee and SNPEP (Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit), the SNPEP permit is obtained through the tourism board of Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu or a reputable trekking agency whereas local governmet permit can be issued . It is the must visit trekking destination for all trekkers for the adventure, authentic clear views of lake and the natural beauty of Everest region. This trek provides nearly all the season except the rainy and wet season from June to mid-september because of the trail, which is most dangerous in that time. March to May and September to November are the best seasons for trekking in Gokyo Lake Trek. The Gokyo Lake Trek trails offer stunning views of snow capped mountains, stunning lakes, majestic mountains and peaceful as well as awe-inspiring ambitions. Before the trek starts, you must have proper preparation and pre-knowledge about the trek. You must prepare for all the difficulties and problems that may come in the trek.

Highlights:

  • Stunning high altitude glacial lakes
  • It lies within the Sagarmatha National Park
  • Climb to the highest point on top Gokyo-Ri for a amazing panorama views of mountains
  • Trek takes you to the Largest glacier, called Ngozumpa Glacier
  • Trekking through traditional sherpa villages such as Namche Bazar and Phortse.
  • Opportunity to explore the Sherpa culture and traditions
  • Moderate and adventurous walk in the route of Gokyo Lake Trek
  • Panorama views of Snow capped mountains and peaks

Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival/transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu and trek perparation

    Today is your Arrival day at Kathmandu, Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be received by Our staff and transferred to the Hotel. Evening meet your trek guide, briefing about the trek and preparation for Everest Gokyo Lake trek.

    Altitude: 1300 M
    Meals: N/A
    Accommodation: N/A
  • Day 02: Fly to Lukla 2,840 m and trek to Phakding 2,610 m- 04 hrs.

    Early morning depart from Kathmandu for a short flight to reach Lukla around Nepal Far Mid East, a busy town with a unique small airport named as Tenzing and Hillary, famous for mountaineers to reach Mt. Everest in early 1955.Lukla's first-day walk begins downhill following Dudh Koshi River to reach Phakding village for the overnight stop.

    Altitude: 2610 M
    Meals: B, L, D
    Accommodation: TEAHOUSE/LODGE
  • Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazar

    Early Morning your trek begins gradually with a pleasant path walking into pines and rhododendron tree lines with views of the snow-capped peak, the trail follows upstream crossing over bridges to enter Sagarmatha National Park.
    Sagarmatha Park is listed in world heritage sites, the trail follows a high bridge and climbs to Namche Bazaar, a colorful large village, nearly the size of a town with many good houses serving as hotels and lodges.
    At Namche Bazaar facilities of ATM, Banks, post office, Cyber Café, Trekking / Climbing shops with stores and café, bakeries, restaurants facing views of Kwangde peaks towards the south.

    Altitude: 3440 M
    Meals: B, L, D
    Accommodation: TEAHOUSE/LODGE
  • Day 04: Rest day at for acclimatization and excursion

    Today in the morning after breakfast you can take the short walk to the top of Namche at the Park headquarter area with a museum full of information regarding the Khumbu / Everest area of Sherpa religions, culture, history, mountaineering to flora and flora.
    High hill of Namche offers stunning views of Mount Amadablam, Tharmarserku, Kantega, Khumbila, Kwangde with Mt. Everest and Lhotse towards North, after an impressive morning head back to lodge for lunch with afternoon free to relax and catch up with the dairy and browse around the street of Namche, where once a week Saturday market/bazaar takes place.

    Altitude: 3440 M
    Meals: B, L, D
    Accommodation: TEAHOUSE/LODGE
  • Day 05: Trek to Dole 4,200 m- 06 hrs

    After a rest day at Namche, a morning short climb, and then on the nice scenic trail within rhododendron and pine trees with views of Amadablam and Everest, where our route diverts heading north towards Gokyo valley.
    As the walk climbs and descends to Dudh Koshi at Phortse Tenga, a small place with few tea shops, a favorite lunch stop place.
    With the refreshing stop, the second half of the journey leads to climbing for a few hours into the cool shade of the forest to reach Dole, a small settlement for the overnight stop on route Gokyo Lake.

    Altitude: 4200 M
    Meals: B, L, D
    Accommodation: TEAHOUSE/LODGE
  • Day 06: Trek to Machhermo 4,470 m- 04 hrs

    At Morning continue your short trek walk gradually through enjoy the panorama views of mountain range after reaching a ridge top on pleasant ups to reach a bridge on top Machhermo facing glorious views of world sixth-highest Mt. Cho-Oyo.
    From the top descend to reach Machhermo a nice settlement with many good lodges for travelers from here onward tree lines ends for short rhododendron and juniper bushes.
    At Machhermo have your lunch and overnight stop with the afternoon free to relax or take a short walk around.

    Altitude: 4470 M
    Meals: B, L, D
    Accommodation: TEAHOUSE/LODGE
  • Day 07: Trek to Gokyo Valley 4,790 m/15,715 ft - 4 hrs

    At Morning you will walk ascends towards Gokyo Lake and its scenic valley walk to a small at Pangka and then climb on the rocky path around ablation valley as walk leads past the first lake and then to second lakes, to reach third and main lakes of Gokyo valley, also called Dudh Pokhari or Gokyo Lake.
    Gokyo is located at the height of 4,800 meters, after checking into your rooms with time for lunch and a short walk around its lake with grand views of Mt. Cho Oyo world's sixth-highest with Gyachung Kang that reflects on Gokyo Lake.

    Altitude: 4790 M
    Meals: B, L, D
    Accommodation: TEAHOUSE/LODGE
  • Day 08: At Gokyo rest day with morning hike to Gokyo- Ri at above 5,360 m.

    A pleasant rest day at Gokyo, Early morning climb for few hours on the hilltop of Gokyo-Ri highest spot of the adventure at above 5,357 m offers a panorama of world four highest peaks with Mt. Cho-Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu in the east with a range of lesser mountains that surround you at the top.
    Enjoying grand views of mountains with Gokyo valley it's lakes include Khumbu longest Ngozumba glacier-fed from Mt. Cho-Oyu and Gyachung Khang after fabulous scenery descend to Gokyo for a leisurely rest day within the beautiful Gokyo valley and its lakes.

    Altitude: 4790 M
    Meals: B, L, D
    Accommodation: TEAHOUSE/LODGE
  • Day 09: Hike to Dole past Machhermo and Luza - 06 hrs.

    Today a long day walk with downhill most of the way with few short ups to reach Dole, as morning leads on the gradual path with downhill to reach at Panga and then to Machhermo with a climb onto a ridge, where long descend reaches you at Dole for overnight stay.

    Altitude: 4200 M
    Meals: B, L, D
    Accommodation: TEAHOUSE/LODGE
  • Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazaar- 06 hrs

    At Morning you will gradually descend with a climb to Mong Hill where you will descend to Namche Bazaar for the overnight stop, after a scenic and pleasant walk of the day.

    Altitude: 3440 M
    Meals: B, L, D
    Accommodation: TEAHOUSE/LODGE
  • Day 11: Trek back to Lukla - 6 hrs

    A pleasant and relaxing walk as the route heads back to Lukla on the last day trek of the adventure, with few short climbs, brings you back to Lukla for the last overnight stop around Khumbu and Everest and farewell to our loyal and friendly porters.

    Altitude: 2840 M
    Meals: B, L, D
    Accommodation: TEAHOUSE/LODGE
  • Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu afternoon free at leisure

    Early in the morning, transfer to Tenzing and Hillary air terminal at Lukla airport. Onboarding a sweeping flight of 35 minutes brings you back to Kathmandu and then transfer to respective hotels with the rest of the day free at leisure.

    Altitude: 1300 M
    Meals: B
    Accommodation: N/A
  • Day 13: International departure to respective countries homeward bound.

    Last day in Nepal, which is known for world's highest mountains and exciting cultures, as per your time for international flight depart from the hotel, where All Nepal Treks staff and guide transfers you to the airport, with grand experience and wonderful memories of Everest Gokyo Lake Trekking.

    Altitude: N/A
    Meals: N/A
    Accommodation: N/A

What's included

  • All Arrival and Departure transfer from airport to hotel with Private vehicle.
  • Twin sharing accommodation on best Teahouse/Lodge available on treks on full board with breakfast-lunch and dinner.
  • Domestic flight: Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu (during low season; December-February & June-August) and Manthali – Lukla – Manthali (during peak season; September- November).
  • Transportation cost from Kathmandu – Manthali - Kathmandu during peak season on shared vehicle.
  • Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit Fees.
  • Khumbu Pasang-Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit cost.
  • Complementary farewell dinner.
  • Government taxes, service charges and administration costs.
  • Government Authorized Licensed Experienced Guide (salary, allowances, transportation, food, accommodation, equipment, insurance etc.)
  • Group briefing and orientation program on do’s and don’ts of the trip.
  • International air tickets reconfirmation.
  • Basic First Aid and Medical Kits.
  • Trip Completion certificate.
  • Travel & rescue arrangements
 

What's not included

  • Accommodations and meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during your stay in Kathmandu.
  • International Airfare-Nepal Entry Visa.
  • Personal Travel and Medical Insurance.
  • Porter to help trekkers luggage. 2 trekkers will share 1 porter, Max weight limit for a porter- 20 kg (10 kg per trekker, weight limit).
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, mineral water, battery charging, telephone calls, Wi Fi, sweets, snacks etc.
  • Expenses of Personal Nature-Gratitude-Airport Tax and Meals in Kathmandu and at Pokhara as per the Itinerary.
  • Personal Trekking gear and equipment, down or duvet jackets, sleeping bags. (Sleeping bags and down jackets and climbing equipment can hire in Kathmandu at a reasonable cost)
  • Emergency Evacuation by any means of Transportations and personal medical kit.
  • Early return from the trips or breaking up the journey due to personal/medical reasons clients have to bear extra expenses in Kathmandu or on route with related expenses as there will be no refund from the company in such a situation.

Equipment

List of Trekking equipment and gears

  1. Sunglasses with UV protection
  2. Sun hat / scarf
  3. T-shirts
  4. Fleece jacket or pullover
  5. Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket
  6. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
  7. Light Down jacket
  8. Light and Warm gloves
  9. Small wash towel
  10. Underwear
  11. Hiking shorts
  12. Lightweight cotton long pants
  13. Fleece or wool pants
  14. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
  15. Thin, lightweight inner socks
  16. Thick, warm wool hiking socks
  17. Comfortable/ Water proof hiking boots (if possible)
  18. Slippers/sandals
  19. Personal Medicine
  20. Snack or bar like chocolates
  21. Daypack (approximately 40 -50 liter)
  22. Water bottle
  23. Walking poles
  24. Sleeping bag(preferably -20 degree celcius)
  25. Toiletries

Map

[caption id="attachment_57" align="alignnone" width="1876"]gokyo lake trek route map Gokyo Lake Trek Route Map[/caption]

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